The Benefits of Diffusing with Essential Oils

Essential oil diffusion refers to the method of dispersing the aroma of essential oils into a room, inducing a calming and relaxing feeling to those who are within. However, there’s actually more to diffusion than just its aromatic properties. In fact, science states the various benefits of diffusing with essential oils such as better sleep, enhanced levels of concentration, and major mood boosts (1). The mainstream aromatherapy discourse highlights many benefits of diffusion.  

In this article, we’ll talk about the various benefits you can get from diffusion, the different types of diffusers, and a few others.

Benefits of Diffusing

There’s actually a host of benefits of diffusing with essential oils, aside from the ones mentioned briefly above. They’re as follows:

1. Better sleep quality

As mentioned earlier, diffusion can help you sleep better. Certain types of oil blends such as lavender, roman chamomile, and cedarwood have therapeutic properties that induce a calming effect on your mind and body (2).

By diffusing said oils 30 minutes before going to sleep, you’ll be able to significantly improve your sleep quality and even eliminate various sleep-associated issues like insomnia and stress (3).

2. Improved breathing

Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, bergamot, and eucalyptus are ideal for reducing congestion and inflammation in your clogged airways, thereby allowing you to breathe more easily (4). This makes them particularly useful for respiratory illnesses such as colds, emphysema, asthma, and even allergies.

That said, if you’re prone to allergies or have difficulty breathing, diffusing essential oils in your room can help relieve your problem.

3. Enhanced focus and cognitive function

Apart from breathing and relaxation, essential oils like lavender, lemon, and rosemary can actually help enhance your focus and cognitive function (5). This is due to the adaptogenic properties that many essential oils have (6). Due to such properties, you’ll be able to experience a soothing feeling when you’re stressed while giving you an uplifting feeling when you’re sluggish.

They work by enhancing blood and oxygen flow toward the pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus glands in your brain which, in turn, can promote better mental health and acuity. Additionally, these oils are also known for helping clear brain fog and even remove petrochemicals from the brain’s receptor sites.

4. Improved emotional health

Just as diffusing can help get rid of stress, it can also help improve your emotional health by uplifting your mood. That said, it’s not just ideal during your sad or depressing moments, it can also give a major boost in your mood, allowing you to feel energized throughout the day (7).

Types of Diffusers

Diffusers are categorized into different types, each with its own specific function. They are as follows:

• Ultrasonic – considered the most common diffuser type on the market, an ultrasonic diffuser comes with a small vibrating disk which vibrates in water which is infused with essential oils. This vibrating mechanism breaks the single oils and water to tiny molecules which are then dispersed throughout the room. However, since the oils are diluted with water, you’ll have to add a few more drops in order to get a stronger scent.
• Nebulizing – nebulizing diffusers use a constant supply of air to work. A constant jet of air is blown over a tube which contains the essential oils. This process creates a vacuum which pulls the oils from the tube then disperses them to the air. Compared to ultrasonic diffusers, this diffusion method tends to create noise, although you can benefit from a more concentrated scent.
• Evaporative – lastly, evaporative diffusers use a small fan to blow on the oils which are dripped to a filter or other surface. The constant blowing of air causes the oils to evaporate, thereby dispersing the scent to the room.

Diffusing with Kids

If you have a newborn, you should NEVER use essential oil diffusers until they’re at least 3 months old, as recommended by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (8). The reason is because their skin and respiratory system of newborns are still not fully developed to adapt to the world.

Meanwhile, you can diffuse plain tap water in a diffuser as an alternative if your little one has congestion problems. The added moisture can also help prevent your newborn from getting a dry nose and mouth.

On the other hand, if you have older kids, you’ll want to exercise caution when diffusing essential oils, as they might be allergic to them. Ensure proper dilution, and introduce each essential oil gradually (9). Please read my article about how to use essential oils safely on children.

How to Keep Your Diffuser Clean

Essential oils might clog up your diffuser over time. Once it happens, you can clean it by using rubbing alcohol and a swab of cotton to wipe the inside of your diffuser. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar to clean it, although its smell will stick for some time.

Regardless, both methods are proven to be effective in breaking up any residue and mineral deposits. Cleaning your diffuser at least twice a month is recommended, although regular cleaning is ideal depending on how resinous your oils are (10).

Looking for the best essential oil diffuser? Want to disperse your essential oils quickly, easily and safely around a large space? Take a look at a range of options here.

References:

1. Liu SH, Lin TH, Chang KM, The physical effects of aromatherapy in alleviating work-related stress on elementary school teachers in taiwan. 2013;2013:853809. PMID: 24228065
2. Cheraghbeigi N, Modarresi M, et al., Comparing the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage with lavender oil on sleep quality of cardiac patients: A randomized controlled trial. 2019 May;35:253-258. PMID: 31003666
3. 7 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser, Holistic Health Herbalist. Link here
4. Han X, Gibson J, Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Positive Feelings in the Waiting Room of a Mental Health Treatment Center: A Pilot Study. 2017 May;31(5):812-816. PMID: 28337799
5. Sayorwan W, Siripornpanich V, The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. 2012 Apr;95(4):598-606. PMID: 22612017
6. Adaptogens: The Natural Stress Reducer, No Fuss Natural. Link here
7. Seo JY, The effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents. 2009 Jun;39(3):357-65. PMID: 19571632
8. Get Your Child to Sleep Naturally, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Link here
9. Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, AromaWeb. Link here
10. How to Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser, Essential Oil Haven. Link here